3. Fire and Life Safety Systems
Confidence Testing
Fire and Life Safety Systems

4. What is Confidence Testing?
It is a way to ensure that existing fire and life safety systems are properly functioning.

5. Why is it important?
It helps protects the public and Firefighters in emergency situations
Helps Builders: some systems allow builders to use fewer exits, less substantial fire separation (thinner walls), etc.

6. Why is it important? (con’t)
Fire and Life Safety Systems: - Extinguish the fire or hold it in check - Triggers evacuation Assist with water delivery - Removes smoke Assists with access etc.
Liability

7. Confidence Testing Systems
System Type:
Fire Alarm - Low-Rise Bldgs: Annually, High-Rise Bldgs: Quarterly
Stairway Door Locks - Annually
Fire Pumps - Annually
Standpipe and/or Hose Cabinets – Five Years
Automatic Sprinklers - Annually
Shaft Pressurization - Annually
Emergency Generator - Annually
Tempered Windows/Smoke removal - Annually
Sequence Test (High-rise) - Annually
Foam Systems - Annually
Fire Escapes – Five Years
Halon, CO2, Inergen - Annually
Rangehood – Bi-Annually
Water Tanks - Annually

8. Who conducts confidence testing?
Private contractors:
Who are engaged in the business of installing, testing and maintaining Fire and Life Safety Systems who hold a valid certificate issued by the Seattle Fire Department Fire Marshal Office

9. How are the testers policed?
Seattle Fire Department Fire Marshal Office Certification Unit administers written system specific tests
Passing demonstrates possession of requisite knowledge to work on systems
Those who pass are issued a certificate granting conditional permission to work on Fire and Life Safety Systems in the City of Seattle

10. Certification

11. How is the Confidence Test documented?
The testing company:
Labels the system
Provides building representative a copy of the confidence test report
Submits a confidence test report to the Fire Marshal Office Confidence Testing Unit

13. Confidence Testing Color Code System
RED TAG: System out of service and/or whose operation is seriously impaired.
The technician reports the red tag system immediately to the Confidence Testing Unit (same day)

14. Confidence Testing Color Code System
YELLOW TAG: Systems that are functioning, but have deficiencies
The Confidence Testing report is faxed, mailed or delivered for receipt by Confidence Testing Unit within 15 days of the date of the test

15. Confidence Testing Color Code System
WHITE TAG: Systems with no deficiencies
The Confidence Testing report is faxed, mailed or delivered for receipt by Confidence Testing Unit within 30 days of the date of the test

16. How does Seattle Fire Department track and enforce Confidence Testing?
Code enforcement
Regular Building Inspections
Alarms
Special Inspections
Database
Confidence Testing Reports
Citizen Complaints

17. What actions does S.F.D. take when we find a system less than fully functional?
Document : Notice of Violation or Form 6A
Fire Watch

18. Which Fire and Life Safety System Confidence Test is the most important to perform?
System Type:
Fire Alarm
Stairway Door Locks
Fire Pumps
Standpipe and/or Hose Cabinets
Automatic Sprinklers
Shaft Pressurization
Emergency Generator
Tempered Windows/Smoke removal
Sequence Test (High-rise)
Foam Systems
Fire Escapes
Halon, CO2, Inergen
Rangehood
All of them
Which Fire and Life Safety System Confidence Test, simulates the buildings systems under a fire emergency incident?
Sequence Test

19. Seattle Fire Department Confidence Testing Unit Contacts
Lt. Jon Olson, (206)
Confidence Testing Officer Agnes Ducay, (206) Administrative Assistant

20. The End